The Saudi Pro League believe their pursuit of Mohamed Salah is only on hold despite Al Ittihad failing to sign the Liverpool star before their transfer window closed on Thursday night.

Senior Saudi executives were in London on Saturday for talks with Liverpool and were prepared to pay a world-record fee for Salah, but the Reds held firm.

Al Ittihad offered £150million last week and were prepared to pay Salah, 31, an annual salary of £100m after tax for three years.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said last Sunday: ‘I’ve never had any doubt about his commitment. He is our player and wants to play here.’

Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool after the Saudi Pro League transfer window shut

Jurgen Klopp dismissed the rumours that he might leave, reiterating the player’s commitment

The Saudis were prepared to go above £200m and it feels certain that they will return for Salah next year. Al Ahli and Al Hilal — who, like Al Ittihad, are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund — are ready to compete to sign him.

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Jurgen Klopp’s side never saw it unfolding any other way, with them considering the case closed after formally rejecting the bid last week. 

The boss said on Sunday: ‘I never had any doubt about his commitment. He is our player and wants to play here.’

The Saudis stalked the Salah situation all summer but left it late in the British window to make a serious play to sign him, which ultimately was to their detriment. 

Many believe Liverpool might have been more willing to talk if a bid had arrived a month earlier.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are racing to get stadium redevelopments done in time to have a full house for the Merseyside derby next month. 

Contractors Buckingham Group went into administration while refurbishing the Anfield Road End so the club have appointed a new contractor, Rayner Rowen, to finish the work.